For some of the long-timers, you know some of us have an affliction with duct tape. It came back to the rescue today! This goes back many years to SXMWendell and I attending our first Regatta.

Today was pretty calm. I started with a short walk to Reveil Martin to see Kareen and enjoy a mimosa. Breakfast (which I seldom eat) was at La Sucrière, which was very busy. After that I had some errands to run, pick up some water and get gas. Gas on the Dutch side is right at $5.38/gallon as of today. A short visit to The Horny Toad to see the owners and Cherrie and back to The Atrium.

All was well with doing nothing, some beach time and then a walk to Royal Palm to visit with some friends. As has happened in the past, there was a slight medical emergency as Jill hit her leg on a chair and we had a problem. Medical attention was provided, I walked back to The Atrium to get the car as I thought we were heading to the hospital. Jill seemed to recover as when I returned to Royal Palm, she was bandaged up and at the bar. We had a drink there and then went to the pharmacy for supplies and back to The Atrium.

I went to Lee's for happy hour while the others showered and took care of Jill's leg. Picture attached.

Dinner was at the SMYC. Very good food but somewhat lackadaisical service. I knew one of the bartenders and she got us drinks but the server seemed more interested in cleaning tables that were empty than taking orders from live people. We all enjoyed our meals and the same vocalist that was at Bar Code the other night but I am sorry. Brian LeBlanc needs to be on the premises a little more. It was not a smooth operation but the food was good.

I never travel without Ductape. It's saved many a days. Good It's all working out for your vacation. Enjoy.

To add to this. I was told by a good source the restaurant at Royal Palm is now pretty decent. There is an actual chef and while not a large menu, it was fairly priced. I saw a couple of plates come out at lunch and they looked pretty decent.

15% automatically added to any food and beverage purchase at the bar and restaurant at Royal Palm. I heard someone ask about the 15% and they were told it is NOT a tip. That is why you never ask.

15% was also added at SMYC as well.

Did the 15% at SMYC calculate in your tipping total amount?

Quick thinking with the duct tape!! There isn't much that doesn't fix!! Funny thing, I always have a roll of medical tape with us on the island!! Yes, you are right, Brian should be on the premise more than he is!! IMHO, I think he stays away because the regulars expect him to buy them drinks. I've seen this in the past. That can cut into the profit margin quite a bit over a day, week and the end of the year!! Glad your wife is on the mend!!

Yes, based upon the (lack of) attention and service, we left a couple of $$ more than the total that included the 15%. By no means did it equel 20%. There were 5 of us, all had a drink and the meals. The total was right at $150.

When a place does not include it, we are 20%+, depending on the service and if we have known the server previously.

Colour1. You may be on to something with regard to Brian. I never expect it but if/when Brian is there, he will often buy me a drink. Also, Jill is not my wife, she and her husband are friends and we have traveled together many times down here. She cut her legs last year when she hoit it on a chair as she was bringing it in from balcony. My wife is home as we have a 13.5 year old dog that keeps us from taking this trip together. She may come down in the fall and I will dog sit. Most of our other trips involve and included taking the dogs.

Jill isn't this a repeat of last year's chair incident? Please be careful.

Pretty much. I am not sure if it is the same leg or not. We need the bubble wrap suit again!

We miss you and Bill.

Poor Jill! I don't know whether she is just clumsy, or there could have been alcohol involved?? Glad duct tape saved the day again!

Didn't really think about it, but I could see buying drinks for long time customers can become a slippery slope. Although alcohol is a heck of a lot cheaper there.

Sorry I missed you guys .maybe next year it's harder and harder to get our lazy butts out of Orient Bay. Tell Jill i hope she gets better quick

If duct tape was invented 170 years ago the South might have won.

No alcohol at the point when it happened. Accidents seem to follow here.

JohnB, sorry to have musted you as well,

JD--so I guess she is just clumsy. I resemble that remark, currently trying to recover from my broken toe. Hope she feels better!

"No alcohol at the point when it happened"
Bet there was some afterwards.